Disturbing footage has emerged of an Asian man being assaulted in an apparent racially-motivated attack during riots in Hartlepool on Wednesday evening.
The unrest is believed to be linked to Southport where three young girls were fatally stabbed during a children's dance class on Monday.
Clashes between right-wing demonstrators and police broke out in several UK cities, with Hartlepool officers facing a barrage of missiles, glass bottles and eggs.
Video shared on social media appears to show an Asian man walking alone before being punched by a white male in a baseball cap, as onlookers shout racial slurs.
The incident occurred amid wider scenes of violence, with protesters heard yelling “a p**i got banged” and "this is our town".
Claire Dickson, 39, who saw the rioting in Hartlepool from her upstairs window, said a protest started peacefully “but it just got out of hand” as children and adults threw eggs, bottles and bricks at the police.
She said people shouted the name of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson and “save our children”.
Ms Dickson said a mosque came under attack as police tried to keep protesters away, adding that she was petrified.
She said she feared there will be further disorder and said she did not feel safe in the town, adding: “If you have been here as long as we have, you will know that this is not the end of it.
“It will happen again and again.”
Asked how she felt the morning after the violence, she said: “Petrified, I want to move out of the area.”
Rioters attacked police officers and set a police vehicle ablaze, with some individuals posing for photographs with the burning wreckage before fire crews extinguished it.
Cleveland Police confirmed four arrests on charges including public order offences and affray. The suspects have been taken into custody.
Earlier in the evening, Chief Superintendent David Sutherland said: "We currently have a high policing presence while officers respond to disorder that is taking place in Hartlepool following a protest that began this evening. At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week."
He added: "Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community. I want to urge members of the public to stay away from the area."
